The Clan

This smash-hit Argentinian crime drama from director Pablo Trapero (Lion's Den, Carancho) is based on the incredible true story about Arquimedes Puccio (an ice-cold Guillermo Francella) whose secret-service job included kidnapping supposed dissidents (dubbed The Disappeared as many victims have never been found). But when the Videla dictatorship collapsed in 1981, Puccio continued the practice, abducting his rich neighbours, then executing them once the ransoms were paid. The scams involved Puccio's entire family; Trapero's shocking movie shows them coping with chained-up captives as a part of everyday family life. Related in gritty Scorsese fashion with striking Hollywood style, and revealing Trapero's top-notch storytelling prowess and expert technical flair, the movie builds to a truly stunning climax. The pop soundtrack, including the Kinks and David Lee Roth, is a clever contrast to the on-screen violence.